Wall panel base trim and method for the same

ABSTRACT

A wall panel base trim a panel channel extending between first and second ends. The panel channel surrounds a panel groove configured for reception of a wall panel therein. The panel channel includes a blending fin extending from the channel base, the blending fin on a second side of the panel groove. A brace ridge extends between the first and second ends, the brace ridge projects laterally relative to the panel channel. A shadow flange extends away from the panel channel in a second direction, the shadow flange and the brace ridge cooperate to form a shadow line recess.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims the benefit of priority of Braun U.S. Design patent Application Ser. No. 29/557,975, entitled “BASE TRIM”, filed on Mar. 14, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. 3458.017US1), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright Wayne Braun; Houston, Tex. All Rights Reserved.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to panels and trim used with panels.

BACKGROUND

The interior rooms in homes, buildings and the like include walls built first with structural frames (e.g., wooden or steel frames, i.e. studs) that are covered in wall panels. In some examples, wall panels over the frames include building materials such as sheet rock or dry wall. The wall panels are mechanically secured to the frames with fasteners, such as nails, screws or the like. In some examples, the wall panels are hung above a floor plane (e.g., floor paneling) to provide a shadow line between the wall and the floor plane. Joint compound (e.g., mud) is applied along the lower end of the wall panels by an installer to form a lower wall edge. In along the lower end of the wall panels by an installer to form a lower wall edge. In another example, a strip of wood is interposed between the floor plane and the wall panel as a guide during installation to provide a consistent gap between the wall and floor plane for the shadow line. Joint compound is then applied along the lower end of the wall panel to form the lower wall edge.

In still other examples, a drywall corner bead (e.g., generally used to form vertical outside corners at wall ends) or a repurposed reveal head track for providing an interface between wall panels and a ceiling are used to form lower wall edges above the floor plane where a shadow line is specified. Joint compound is applied along either of the corner bead or the reveal head track to conceal the bead or track.

OVERVIEW

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved can include the minimizing the difficulty of forming a consistent lower wall edge along the bottom edges (e.g., lower ends) of the wall panels that is also resistant to wear and damage. For example, forming a lower wall edge with joint compound and a putty knife by an installer requires experience and time to form the edge and give the appearance of consistency (e.g., a straight line without undulations that is consistently spaced from the floor plane). Optionally, a wood strip is used as a guide for hanging (or cutting) the wall panels. This assists with leveling the wall panels. Joint compound is still applied along the lower ends of the wall panels according to the expertise of the installer. Further, in either example the lower wall edge is prone to damage, for instance from vacuum cleaners that strike the edge during use.

In still other examples, the drywall corner bead or repurposed reveal head track are installed along the lower end of the wall panel as a separate step (contributing to labor and expense) before application of the joint compound. The bead or track provide a relatively straight line for the lower wall edge that is then covered in joint compound as discussed herein above. The lower wall edge is vulnerable to damage from contact as the joint compound in some examples flakes off or the underlying bead or head track is dented. Further, where wall coverings are installed over the wall panels and extend along the lower wall edge wear or contact with objects such as a vacuum cleaners causes fraying or peeling of the coverings from the lower wall edge.

The present subject matter can help provide a solution to this problem, for instance with a wall panel base trim that spaces the wall panel from the floor plane (e.g., floor panels) with a shadow flange to form a specified shadow line. The shadow flange spaces a panel channel (configured to receive the wall panel) from the floor plane and accordingly ensures the consistent height of the shadow line is provided between the floor plane and the wall panel.

The wall panel base trim further includes a brace ridge extending along the trim. The brace ridge provides a projecting edge to the wall (e.g., optionally a decorative ridge) that protects the lower wall edge of the panels, and any applied surface finish such as paint, wall coverings and the like from damage, potentially caused by carts, vacuum cleaners or the like. Stated another way, the brace ridge extends laterally from the portion of the base trim coupled with the wall panel (e.g., the panel channel) and thereby isolates the wall panel (e.g., the lower wall edge) from contact with objects near to the floor including cart wheels, vacuum cleaners, toys or the like. Further, the brace ridge provides a guide for the application of joint compound to form a consistent lower wall edge for the wall panels. The guide minimizes the need for time consuming and skilled labor by an installer to form a consistent edge.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the disclosure. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shadow lined wall assembly including one example of a wall panel base trim.

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the wall panel base trim of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the shadow lined wall assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a first side view of a floor panel and the wall panel base trim of FIG. 1 coupled along a wall frame.

FIG. 4B is a second side view of the wall panel base trim of FIG. 4A with an end of a wall panel received in a panel channel and deformable material initially applied along the wall panel.

FIG. 4C is a third side view of the wall panel base trim of FIG. 4B with the deformable material blended along a blending fin and the wall panel to form a consistent wall edge.

FIG. 5A is a detailed side view of the wall panel base trim of FIG. 1 with a sharp utility recess used in cooperation with deformable material.

FIG. 5B is a detailed side view of the wall panel base trim of FIG. 1 with the sharp utility recess used in cooperation with a wall covering.

FIG. 6 is another example of a shadow lined wall assembly including another example of a wall panel base trim.

FIG. 7 is still another example of a shadow lined wall assembly including the wall panel base trim of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing one example of a method for installing wall panels with a shadow line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows one example of a wall panel base trim 100 coupled along a wall panel 102 and a floor plane 104. As shown in FIG. 1, the wall panel base trim 100 includes a panel channel 106 having a panel groove 108. The panel channel 106 is configured to receive the wall panel 102 within the panel groove 108. The wall panel 102 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of sheetrock, drywall, wood paneling, chipboard, particle board or the like. As further shown in FIG. 1, the wall panel base trim 100 is coupled along the floor plane 104. The floor plane 104 includes one or more of floor panels, floor surfaces or the like constructed with, but not limited to, tile, stone, flooring materials such as linoleum or the like. In other examples, the floor plane 104 includes one or more other materials such as resin or polymer based flooring, cement, concrete or the like.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the wall panel base trim 100 includes the panel groove 108 as previously described herein. In one example, the panel groove 108 is formed in the panel channel 106 of the wall panel base trim 100 extending from a first end 112 to a second end 114. In an example, the wall panel base trim 100 is formed as a lineal component, for instance, by way of one or more of extrusion, pultrusion, cold forming or the like to provide the configuration shown, for instance, in FIG. 1 and the other configurations provided herein. The wall panel base trim 100 is cut to length on site or fashioned into various lengths during forming (e.g., at the manufacturer). The wall panel base trim 100 is constructed with materials configured to have improved wear properties and resistance to damage from striking. For instance, the wall panel base trim 100 (e.g., the brace ridge 110) protects the wall panel 102, as described herein. Accordingly, the wall panel base trim includes, but is not limited to, one or more of polymers, metals such as aluminum and steel, composites such as fiber glass, combinations of the same or the like.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the wall panel base trim 100 further includes a brace ridge 110 extending from the remainder of the wail panel base trim 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the brace ridge 110 extends away from the panel channel 106, for instance in a lateral manner, to provide a projecting feature extending away from the panel channel 106 and the wall panel 102 coupled with the panel channel. The brace ridge 110 as described herein is used as a spacing and protective feature to position wall panels, such as the wall panel 102 received within the panel groove 108, away from incidental damaging contact, for instance, contact caused with vacuums, toys, carts or the like used adjacent to the wall panel 102 and wall panel base trim 100. In another example, the brace ridge 110 provides an attractive decorative ridge extending m the wall panel base trim 100 and along the wall including the trim 100. Optionally, the brace ridge 110 is a continuous ridge extending between the first and second ends 112, 114. In another example, the brace ridge 110 includes one or more ridges or projections between the first and second ends 112, 114 (e.g., multiple ridges, a broken ridge, multiple discrete projections or the like in a line, implied line, multiple lines or the like).

As further shown in FIG. 1, the shadow flange 116 is another portion of the wall panel base trim 100. The shadow flange 116 extends from the brace ridge 100 and the panel channel 106, as shown. As described herein, the shadow flange 116 spaces the remainder of the wall panel base trim 100 including, for instance, the panel channel 106 and the brace ridge 110 a consistent distance away from the floor plane 104. That is to say, the shadow flange 116 provides a specified distance (e,g., spacing) between the floor plane 104 and one or more components of the wall panel base trim 100 including, but not limited to, the brace ridge 110 the panel channel 106 and a wall panel 102 received within the panel groove 108. The shadow flange 116 in cooperation with the other portions of the wall panel base trim 100 including the panel channel 106 spaces the wall panel 102 in a consistent and reliable manner from the floor plane 104 to thereby form a corresponding shadow line recess 118. As shown in FIG. 1, the shadow line recess 118 is formed by the combination of the shadow flange 116 and another portion of the wall panel base trim 100 including, for example, the brace ridge 110 and a portion of the panel channel 106.

As will be described herein, because the brace ridge 110 extends away from the remainder of the wall panel base trim 100 the resulting shadow line recess 118 is enhanced. Stated another way, the brace ridge 110 provides an increased overhang to the shadow flange 116 and thereby forms a darker or more pronounced shadow line recess 118 that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the wall formed with the wall panel base trim 100.

Further, the wall panel base trim provides a consistent lower wall edge by way of the brace ridge 110 suspended above the floor plane 104 a consistent distance according to the shadow flange 116. As shown in FIG. 1, the brace ridge 100 provides a consistent linear edge to the wall panel 102 that is spaced according to the shadow flange 116. Intensive and time consuming labor to form a consistent lower wall edge is thereby minimized.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the wall panel base trim 100 is shown again with the wall panel 102 and floor plane 104 removed for clarity. As previously described, the wall panel base trim 100 includes a panel channel 106 extending between the first and second ends 112, 114. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the panel channel 106 includes a channel base 206 extending along a bottom or lower portion of the panel channel 106. As further shown in FIG. 2, a blending fin 200 extends from the channel base 206. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the blending fin 200 extends perpendicular to the channel base 206. Similarly a wall flange 204 extends from the channel base 206 (e.g., perpendicular) to form a three sided panel channel 106 including a corresponding panel groove 108 extending between the surfaces. In one example, the wall flange 204 and the blending fin 200 are configured (spaced relative to one another) to provide snug reception and engagement with a wall panel, such as the wall panel 102, received within the panel groove 108. For instance, during installation of the wall panel 102 within the panel groove 108, the blending fin 200 is biased against the wall panel by the opposed engagement of the wall flange 204 and the blending fin 200 with opposed surfaces of the wall panel 102. The blending fin 200 is held in close intimate contact with the wall panel 102 and blending along the blending fin 200, for instance, with a deformable material such as joint compound is thereafter readily conducted.

The wall flange 204 is optionally used alone or in combination with the shadow flange 116 to couple the wall panel base trim 100 with the wall (e.g., the frame, studs or the like). Fasteners, such as screws, nails, staples or the like are driven through the flange 204 (and optionally the shadow flange 116) to couple the trim 100 with the wall. In another example, the wall flange 204 (and optionally the shadow flange 116) include holes along the length of the trim, for instance according to the spacing of studs, to receive fasteners there through. In still another example, an adhesive is applied across the wall flange 204 for coupling with the wall In other examples, the wall flange 204 is an optional component. For instance, the wall panel base trim 100 is coupled along a frame or other feature of an interior room, for instance, with fasteners, adhesives or the like applied along the shadow flange 116. A wall panel 102 is thereafter received in the panel groove 108 and held between the frame of the wall and the blending fin 200 of the wall panel base trim 100.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the brace ridge 110 is shown projecting away from the remainder of the wall panel base trim 100. In one example, the brace ridge 110 extends from both of the shadow flange 116 and the blending fin 200. That is to say, the brace ridge 110 projects away from each of the recessed components of the wall panel base trim 100 and thereby provides a protective feature to the remainder of the wall panel base trim 100 as well as any components installed with the wall panel base trim 100 including, for instance, a wall panel 102 received within the panel groove 108 of the panel channel 106.

Referring again to the blending fin 200, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the blending fin 200 includes a broken blending surface 202. The broken blending surface 202 has a series of recesses, grooves or the like. The broken blending surface 202 with these features or similar features readily receives and blends a deformable material such as joint compound (e g., plaster, mud or the like) along the blending fin 200 and along corresponding adjacent portions of the wall panel 102. In other examples, the broken blending surface 202 includes other features configured to facilitate the blending of deformable materials such as mud, joint compound or the like there along. For instance, the broken blending surface 202 includes one or more of ridges, grooves, corrugations, knurling, pits, projections or the like configured to facilitate the spreading of the deformable material, such as joint compound or mud, along the blending fin 200. Further, the broken blending surface 202 enhances the retention of the deformable material along the blending fin 200 and correspondingly minimizes peeling or flaking of the deformable material over time. The deformable material when smoothed and blended across the blending fin 200 forms a consistent and long lasting continuous surface between the wall panel 102 and the wall panel base trim 100.

FIG. 3 shows the wall panel base trim 100 previously described and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 3, the wall panel base trim 100 is shown in a cross-sectional view with the wall panel 102 received within the panel groove 108 of the panel channel 106. The shadow flange 116 is coupled, for instance, along a shadow flange edge 314 with the floor plane 104. As further shown in FIG. 3, a wall frame 300 is provided adjacent to the wall panel base trim 100. During installation the wall panel base trim 100 is, in one example, coupled along the wall frame 300 by providing one or more fasteners extending through the wall panel base trim 100 including one or more of the wall flange 204 or the shadow flange 116. Optionally, an adhesive is applied along one or both of the wall flange 204 or the shadow flange 116 (or the wall frame 300) to couple the wall panel base trim 100 with the wall frame 300. As previously described, the wall flange 204 is an optional component of the wall panel base trim 100. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the wall flange 204 extends in a first direction, for instance, laterally away from the channel base 206 (e.g., perpendicular relative to the channel base) while the shadow flange 116 extends in an opposed second direction from the channel base 206. As further shown in FIG. 3, the brace ridge 110, in one example, couples the panel channel 106 with the shadow flange 116. In another example, the panel channel 106 and the shadow flange 116 are directly coupled with each other and the brace ridge 110 extends from one or more of the panel channel 106 or the shadow flange 116 (e.g., directly or indirectly).

Referring again to FIG. 3, the brace ridge 110 is shown in detail. As shown, the brace ridge 110 projects away from the remainder of the wall panel base trim 100. In one example, the brace ridge 110 includes first and second ridge walls 304, 306 extending laterally away from the remainder of the wall panel base trim 100 including, but not limited to, one or more of the shadow flange 116 or the panel channel 106 (e.g., including the blending fin 200, channel base 206 and the wall flange 204). In the example shown in FIG. 3, a ridge face 302 is provided between the first and second ridge wall 304, 306. The ridge face 302 shown in FIG. 3 has a substantially planar shape extending in the example between the first and second ends 112, 114 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In other examples, and as described herein, the ridge face 302 has other shapes including, but not limited to, a curved non-planar shape, undulating shape, broken shape or the like. Accordingly, the brace ridge 110 (including the ridge face 302), in some examples, has a decorative surface that provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the brace ridge 110 and the remainder of the wall panel base trim 110 relative to the wall panels 102 and floor plane 104 coupled with the wall panel base trim 100. For instance, in one example, the brace ridge 110 extends away from the wall panel 102 and extends above the floor plane 104 with the planar ridge face 302 (and ridge walls 304, 306) shown in FIG. 3. The brace ridge 110 thereby provides a decorative (and protective) lower wall edge to the wall. Further, because the brace ridge 110 extends along the lower edge of the wall panel 102 (e.g., between the first and second ends 112, 114) a consistent lower edge for the wall is provided by the trim 100. Rough or unfinished surfaces along the wall panel 102 are concealed within the panel channel 106.

In another example, where the brace ridge 110 includes a curved face (or other shape) the corresponding ridge along the lower wall edge of the wall will have a corresponding curved surface (or other shape) corresponding to the ridge face 302 (see FIG. 6). In yet another example, the brace ridge 110 has a corrugated, undulating, grooved or other shape that provides corresponding decorative appearances for the brace ridge 110 along at least a portion of a resulting wall including the wall panel base trim 100.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 and described herein the brace ridge 110 extends away from the remainder of the wall panel base trim 100. Because the brace ridge 110 provides a projecting feature away from the wall panel base trim 100 and the wall panel 102 after installation the brace ridge 110 is preferentially struck by objects moving along the floor such as vacuums, cart wheels, toys, feet or the like. The brace ridge 110 provides a protective feature to the wall panel base trim 100, the wall panel 102 and features provided therebetween otherwise subject to damage including, but not limited to, blended deformable material such as joint compound, wall coverings, paint or the like.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the blending fin 200 extends from a portion of the wall panel base trim 100 including, for instance, the channel base 206. As shown, the blending fin 200 includes the broken blending surface 202 (previously described and shown in FIG. 2). In another example, the blending fin 200 is tapered, for instance, from a fin base 308 to a fin edge 310. The tapering of the blending fin 200 facilitates the blending of one or more of wall coverings or deformable materials, such as joint compound, mud or the like, along the blending fin 200 and onto the wall panel 102 to provide a consistent, flat surface transitioning from the wall panel 102 to the wall panel base trim 100, for instance, to the brace ridge 110.

As further shown, the wall panel base trim 100 includes, in another example, a sharp utility recess 312 (see also FIGS. 5A, B). In the example shown, the sharp utility recess 312 is provided between the blending fin 200 and the brace ridge 110, for instance, between the first ridge wall 304 and the fin base 308 of the blending fin 200. As will be described herein, the sharp utility recess 312 provides installation assisting features depending on the material used with the covering or compound applied to the wall panel 102. For instance, where a deformable material such as joint compound or mud is applied between the wall panel 102 and the blending fin 200 the sharp utility recess 312 allows for reception of some of the compound therein and accordingly assists in providing a sharp corner between the wall panel 102 (and the blending fin 200) and the brace ridge 110. Accrual of extra joint compound mud or the like at the interface between the blending fin 200 and the brace ridge 110 is thereby minimized.

In another example where a wall covering such as wallpaper is applied to the wall panel 102 and extended toward the floor plane 104 (e.g., to the brace ridge 110) the wall covering is easily received along or within the sharp utility recess 312. A knife or other trimming device is drawn across the sharp utility recess 312 to readily cut the free edge of the wall covering and position the trimmed edge within the sharp utility recess 312. Fraying, ungluing or the like of the wall covering is thereby substantially minimized as the edge of the wall covering is received and retained within the sharp utility recess 312. Further, the brace ridge 110 protects the retained trimmed edge and ensures it remains within the sharp utility recess 312. As further shown in FIG. 3, the shadow line recess 118 is provided between the brace ridge 110 (e.g., the second ridge wall 306) and the shadow flange 116. As previously described, the shadow flange 116 provides a specified gap or space between the brace ridge 110 and the floor plane 104. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the shadow flange edge 314 is engaged or coupled along the floor plane 104 to provide spacing for the shadow line recess 118 between the brace ridge 110 and the floor plane 104 that matches the shadow flange 116 height. In another example, the floor plane 104 is coupled along the shadow flange face 316 of the shadow flange 116. In such an example, the shadow line recess 118 has a differing (smaller) dimension b based on the elevated position of the floor plane 104 along the shadow flange face 316 (as compared to FIG. 3). Accordingly, an installer may provide a variety of shadow line recesses 318 with the same piece of wall panel base trim 100. In other examples, a plurality of sizes of wall panel base trim 100 are available, for instance, with varying dimensions (heights) of the shadow flange 116 to facilitate the provision of a more or less elevated brace ridge 110 (and resulting lower wall edge) and a correspondingly taller or shorter shadow line recess 118.

Further, the projection of the brace ridge 110, for instance, the lateral extension of the brace ridge 110 as provided by the first and second ridge walls 304, 306 further defines and enhances the resulting shadow line recess 118. Stated another way, the brace ridge 110 extending away from the remainder of the wall panel base trim 100 provides an enhanced shadow line along the shadow flange 116 according to the degree of overhang of the brace ridge 110 relative to the shadow flange 116. The installer is thereby able, for instance, by way of selection of wall panel base trims 100 having varying projections of the brace ridge 110 and heights of the shadow flange 116 to provide a specified shadow line recess 118. Stated another way, the installer is able to provide a desired shadow line recess according to selection of wall panel base trim 100 having corresponding projection of the brace ridge 110 and height of the shadow flange 116.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-C, an exemplary installation of the wall panel base trim 100 is shown. Referring first to FIG. 4A, the wall panel base trim 100 is in an initially installed configuration, for instance, with the wall flange 204 and the shadow flange 116 positioned along the wall frame 300. As shown in FIG. 4A, the wall flange 204 is slightly spaced from the wall frame 300. The spacing between these features is done for illustrative purposes. In an actual installation, the wall flange 204 would be coupled along the wall frame 300, for instance, in an engagement or with some interposing material provided therebetween (such as an adhesive). As further shown in FIG. 4A, the shadow flange 116, for instance a shadow flange edge 316, is positioned above the floor plane 104. In this configuration, the wall panel base trim 100 is coupled with the wall frame 300 and positioned above the floor plane 104 to accordingly provide the shadow line recess 118 shown in FIG. 4A and previously described herein. As also previously described herein, the shadow flange 116 as well as the brace ridge 110 provide both a consistent lower wall edge (e.g., following the brace ridge) and a consistent shadow line recess 118 along the length of the wall panel base trim 100 and accordingly along the corresponding length of a wall with the wall panel base trim 100 coupled there along. As further shown in FIG. 4A, the panel groove 108 of the panel channel 106 is ready for reception of a wall panel including, but not limited to, sheetrock, drywall or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, one example of the wall panel 102 is received within the panel groove 108 of the panel channel 106. As shown, the wall panel 102 is received between the wall flange 204 and the blending fin 200. As further shown in FIG. 4B, the wall panel 102 is also received along the channel base 206. Stated another way, in one example, the panel groove 108 is formed by each of the wall flange 204, the blending fin 200 and the channel base 206. In another example, the wall panel base trim 100 is without the wall flange 204 and the corresponding panel groove 108 is formed by the blending fin 200 and the channel base 206. The wall flange 204 and the blending fin 200 are spaced apart in another example to closely match the width of the wall panel 102 (e.g., the spacing is slightly smaller, larger or the same as the width). Optionally, the closely matched spacing ensures the wall panel 102 is snugly received within the panel groove 108 and intimately engaged by the blending fin 200. The blending fin 200 is in close intimate contact with the wall panel 102 to facilitate blending of deformable material from the panel to the blending fin and minimize cracking or flaking of the deformable material after application.

As further shown in FIG. 4B, a deformable material 400 is initially or roughly applied along each of the blending fin 200 and a portion of the wall panel 102. As shown, the deformable material 400 is provided in a rough manner across each of these features including, for instance a portion of the brace ridge 110. The deformable material 400 is later smoothed and shaped, for instance, as shown in FIG. 4C.

FIG. 4C shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the wall panel base trim 100 with the wall panel 102 received within the panel groove 108 of the panel channel 106. In the example shown in FIG. 4C, the wall panel 102 is provided in close engagement with each of the wall flange 204 and the blending fin 200 as well as the channel base 206. Stated another way, the panel channel 106 is configured for snug reception of the wall panel 102 therein. In one example, where the wall panel base trim 100 includes the wall flange 204, the wall flange 204 and the blending fin 200 cooperate to clamp (e.g., snugly fit) the wall panel 102 therein. As stated previously the blending fin 200 is in intimate contact with the wall panel 102, for instance a first face 402 of the wall panel.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the deformable material 400 is in a smooth and shaped configuration, for instance after being planed with a putty knife or the like to spread the deformable material 400 in a gradual tapered fashion along the broken blending surface 202 of the blending fin 200 and the adjacent portion of the first face 402 of the wall panel 102. The tapering shown in FIG. 4C is exaggerated for illustration purposes. In actual practice, the deformable material 400 in the smooth and shaped configuration has a substantially planar or flush configuration relative to the first face 402. Stated another way, the blending fin 200 including, for instance, the broken blending surface 202 is hidden or concealed by the deformable material 400 forming a continuous attractive transition (joint) between the wall panel 102 and the brace ridge 110.

As further shown in FIG. 4C, and as previously described herein, the wall panel base trim 100 in another example includes the sharp utility recess 312. As shown, the sharp utility recess is optionally at the base of the blending fin 200 and adjacent to the first ridge wall 304 of the brace ridge 110. During shaping or planing of the deformable material 400, the sharp utility recess 312 provides a recess configured to receive excess deformable material 400 therein. Accordingly, accumulation of the deformable material, for instance, within a corner otherwise provided between the blending fin 200 and the brace ridge 110 is avoided. Instead, excess deformable material 400 is readily received within the sharp utility recess 312 to facilitate the generation of a sharp, attractive corner between the wall panel 102 and the brace ridge 110.

FIG. 5A shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the wall panel base trim 100 previously described herein. The wall panel base trim 100 includes the blending fin 200 and the brace ridge 110 including the first ridge wall 304. As further shown in FIG. 5A, the deformable material 400 (e.g., joint compound or mud) has been applied in a rough initial application and is in the process of being smoothed or planed, for instance, with the tool 500, such as a putty knife. As shown in FIG. 5A, the deformable material 400 is spread across the blending fin 200 including the broken blending surface 202. In an example, the tool 500 is moved across the blending fin 200 and the broken blending surface 202 as well as adjacent portions of the wall panel 102 to accordingly spread and shape the deformable material there along (e.g., into the configuration shown in FIG. 4C. The shaping of the deformable material 400 with the broken blending surface 202 (e.g., recesses, grooves, ridges, knurling, pits or the like) facilitates the coupling of the deformable material 400 along the blending fin 200 and further facilitates the blending of the deformable material 400 onto the first face 402 of the wall panel 102 (see FIG. 4C). As further shown in FIG. 4A, the blending fin 200, in one example, is tapered, for instance from the fin base 308 to the fin edge 310. The gentle taper (exaggerated in FIG. 5A) facilitates the spreading and blending of the deformable material 400 between the blending fin 200 and the wall panel 102. Accordingly, a planar face for the deformable material 400 is provided in flush or nearly flush alignment with the wall panel 102.

The sharp utility recess 312 is shown in FIG. 5A in greater detail relative to FIGS. 4B and 4C. As shown, the tool 500, such as a putty knife, while smoothing the deformable material 400 across the blending fin 200 delivers at least some of the excess deformable material 400 into the sharp utility recess 312. Reception of a portion of the deformable material 400 in the sharp utility recess 312 minimizes the deposition of excess deformable material 400 including one or more of mud, plaster, joint compound or the like at the interface between the blending fin 200 and the brace ridge 110 (e.g., the first ridge wall 304) while at the same time facilitating the generation of a sharp corner therebetween. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5A, the deformable material 400 as it is shaped by the tool 500 is provided in a planar or near planar configuration that provides a sharp corner relative to the first ridge wall 304 with a portion of the deformable material 400 at the corner within the sharp utility recess 312.

FIG. 5B shows another example of the wall panel base trim 100 including a wall covering 502 provided over the blending fin 200 and in the process of being trimmed, for instance, with the tool 500 (e.g., the knife edge of a putty knife, utility knife or the like). As shown, the wall covering 502 extends across the blending fin 200 as well as corresponding portions of the wall panel 102 such as the first face 402 shown in FIG. 4C. In an example, an adhesive 508 is provided along each of the wall panel 102 as well as the broken blending surface 202 of the blending fin 200. The broken blending surface 202 (e.g., recesses, knurling, pits, projections, grooves or the like) provide a robust, strong interface between the adhesive 508 and the wall covering 502. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5B, the adhesive 508 is received within grooves of the broken blending surface 202 to facilitate robust, long lasting coupling between the wall covering 502 and the wall panel base trim 100.

After initial application of the wall covering 502, for instance, positioning of the wall covering 502 over each of the wall panel 102 and the corresponding blending fin 200 of the wall panel base trim 100, the wall covering is trimmed. In one example, the installer trims the wall covering 502 by using a tool 500 including, for instance, a knife edge, to draw along the sharp utility recess 312. Drawing of the tool 500 across the sharp utility recess 312 with a moderate amount of pressure presses the wall covering 502 into the sharp utility recess 312 and further provides a guide for the tool 500 to trim away the wall covering edge 504 (e.g., the free edge shown in FIG. 5B). The resulting wall covering trimmed edge 506 is received within the sharp utility recess 312 during trimming and retained therein. With the wall covering trimmed edge 506 received in the sharp utility recess 312, the wall covering 502 is reliably retained along the wall panel 102 and the blending fin 200 of the wall panel base trim 100. Fraying of the wall covering 502, for instance, along the wall covering trimmed edge 506 is substantially minimized as the wall covering trimmed edge 506 is received and held within the sharp utility recess 312. Further, because of the brace ridge 110, the wall covering trimmed edge 506 is isolated from engagement and corresponding damage, for instance caused by carts, foot traffic, vacuums or the like otherwise engaging the wall covering trimmed edge 506.

In a similar manner, referring back to FIGS. 4C and 5A, the brace ridge 110 provides protection to the deformable material 400 after it is set into a substantially shaped planar configuration (see FIG. 4C). That is to say, the brace ridge 110 extends away from the deformable material 400 and thereby isolates the deformable material 400 away from one or more objects that may otherwise cause damage to the material 400 including one or more of vacuums, toys, carts, foot traffic or the like. Instead, the brace ridge 110 provides a robust surface in each of the examples shown in FIG. 5A, 5B to protect either of the wall covering 502 or the deformable material 400 (as shown in FIGS. 5A, B) as well as paint or other finishes applied to the wall. A wall that includes the wall panel base trim 100 thereby has a finished aesthetically appealing appearance including a durable and long lasting character. Further, the brace ridge 110 that spaces the materials otherwise subject to damage such as the deformable material 400 or the wall covering 502 provides a consistent lower edge to the wall and an overhang to the shadow flange 116. The shadow flange 116 as well as the brace ridge 110 provide the shadow line recess 118. Accordingly, the wall panel base trim 100 including the brace ridge 110 and the shadow flange 116 cooperate to provide decorative features including, for instance, a consistently spaced and formed lower wall edge and a shadow line recess 118. At the same time the wall panel base trim 100 (with the brace ridge 110) protects the wall panel 102 and one or more of a wall covering 502, deformable material 400 or finish applied to the wall panel 102 (such as paint, lacquer or the like).

FIG. 6 shows another example of a wall panel base trim 600. In at least some regards, the wall panel base trim 600 shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the previous examples of the wall panel base trim 100 described herein. For instance, the wall panel 102 is received within a panel groove 108 of a panel channel 106 of the wall panel base trim 600. Similarly, the wall panel base trim 600 includes a blending fin 200 and a brace ridge 602. In contrast to the wall panel base trim 100 previously described herein the brace ridge 602 has a different shape, for instance, a curved shape formed along a ridge face 604. As further shown in FIG. 6, the wall panel base trim 600 include a shadow flange 116 configured to provide a specified space between the brace ridge 602 and the floor plane 104.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the brace ridge 602 as previously described includes a differing shaped ridge face 604 relative to the ridge faces described previously herein. For instance, the ridge face 604 includes a curved configuration that curves between the first and second ridge walls 606, 608. In other examples, the ridge face 604 or other portions of the brace ridge 602 have different shapes, for instance, one or more of undulating shapes, planar shapes, other curve shapes, grooves, ridges, projections or combinations of the same or the like. The brace ridge 602 thereby provides a differing aesthetic appearance to the wall panel base trim 600 relative to the wall panel base trim 100 previously described and shown herein. The brace ridge 602 in other regards is similar to the previously described brace ridge. For instance, the brace ridge 602 isolates and protects the blending fin 200 as well as a deformable material provided along the blending fin and the wall panel 602. Spacing provided by the brace ridge 602 protects these features of the wall panel 102, the blending fin 200 as well as materials provided over top of each of these components including, for instance, the deformable material 400 shown in FIG. 5A and the wall covering 502 (see FIG. 5B). That is to say, the brace ridge 602 provides the protective characteristics similar to the other brace ridges described herein.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the wall panel base trim 600 includes a shadow flange 116 including the shadow flange face 316 and the shadow flange edge 314. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a different installation (relative to that shown in FIGS. 4A, B) is provided with the floor plane 104 coupled along the shadow flange face 316. Accordingly, the shadow line recess 610 provided between the brace ridge 602 and the floor plane 104 is different than that provided with the shadow flange edge 314 coupled along the floor plane 104 as shown in FIGS. 4A, B. Accordingly, with the wall panel base trim 600 in surface-to-surface coupling with the shadow flange face 316 a different (shorter) shadow line recess 610 formed between the brace ridge 602 and the floor plane 104.

FIG. 7 shows another example of an installation of the wall panel base trim 600. In this example, the wall panel base trim 600 is installed in a manner similar to FIGS. 4A, B. For instance, the shadow flange edge, 314 is coupled along the floor plane 104. Accordingly, the shadow line recess 702 has a consistent height corresponding to the height of the shadow flange 116. Similarly, the brace ridge 602 is maintained at a consistent corresponding height according to the height of the shadow flange 116.

As further shown in FIG. 7, a trim piece 700 such as a decorative trim piece is provided along the shadow flange face 316 (e.g., within the shadow line recess 702). The trim piece 700 provides an optional decorative trim within the shadow line recess 702 to provide a different aesthetic look to a wall. The trim piece 700 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of painted coverings, hard wood trim, tile, elongate or lineal trim pieces including plastics, polymers, resins or the like. In another example, the trim piece 700 includes stone or marble interposed between the brace ridge 602 and the floor plane 104.

FIG. 8 shows one example of a method 800 for installing wall panels such as the wall panels 102 described herein having a shadow line. In describing the method 800, reference is made to one or more components, features, functions or the like described herein. Where convenient, reference is made to the components, features, functions or the like with reference numerals. Reference numerals provided are exemplary and are not exclusive. For instance, the components, features, functions or the like described in the method 800 include, but are not limited to, corresponding numbered elements, other corresponding features described herein (both numbered and unnumbered) as well as their equivalents.

At 802, the method 800 includes coupling a wall panel base trim 100 (including any of the exemplary trims described herein) along a portion of a wall, for instance, the wall frame 300 shown in FIG. 3. In one example, the wall panel base trim 100 is coupled along an exposed wall frame 300 including, for instance, exposed studs or the like. The wall panel base trim 100 includes a panel channel 106 with a panel groove 108. A brace ridge 110 projects relative to the panel channel 106. Further, the wall panel base trim 100 includes a shadow flange 116. In one example, the shadow flange 116 extends away from the panel channel 106.

At 804, the wall panel, for instance, the wall panel 102 shown in FIG. 3, is positioned within the panel groove 108 of the panel channel 106. In one example, positioning of the wall panel 102 within the panel groove 108 includes positioning of the wall panel 102 between a blending fin 200 and a wall flange 204 of the wall panel base trim 100. In another example, the wall flange 204 and the blending fin 200 are configured to provide intimate, snug contact between the wall panel 102 and each of the blending fin 200 and the wall flange 204. Accordingly, the wall panel 102 including, for instance, a front surface such as a first face 402 shown in FIG. 4C, is in intimate contact with the inside portion of the blending fin 200 (and the second face 404 is coupled along the wall flange 204). This facilitates, in one example, the blending of deformable material or reception of a wall covering there along, for instance, between the wall panel 102 and the blending fin 200.

At 806, the shadow flange 116 is coupled along the floor plane 104. As previously described herein, in one example, the shadow flange 116 couples with the floor plane 104 along one or more of the shadow flange edge 314 or the shadow flange face 316. At 808, coupling of the shadow flange 116 along the floor plane 104 includes spacing the brace ridge 110 shown in FIG. 3 from the floor plane 104. Stated another way, the shadow flange 116 when coupled with the floor plane 104 provides a specified consistent spacing between the brace ridge 110 and the floor plane 104 (according to the dimensions of the shadow flange 116). The brace ridge 110 provides a consistent lower wall edge at a consistent spacing (relative to the floor plane) for the wall. At 810, the method 800 includes forming a shadow line recess 118 between the floor plane 104 and the brace ridge 110 according to the spacing provided by the shadow flange 116.

Several options for the method 800 follow. In one example, the panel channel 106 includes a wall flange 204 (see FIG. 3). The method 800 includes in the example coupling the wall panel base trim 100 along the portion of the wall by coupling the wall flange 204 along the wall frame 300. For instance, in one example, the wall flange 204 includes one or more orifices, holes or the like configured to receive screws, nails, staples or the like to couple the wall panel base trim 100 along the wall frame 300. Optionally fasteners are driven through the wall flange 204. In another example, adhesives are applied across the wall flange 204 (or wall frame 300) to facilitate the coupling of the wall flange 204 along the wall frame 300.

In another example, coupling the wall panel base trim 100 along the portion of the wall (such as the wall frame 300) includes coupling the shadow flange 116 along the wall frame 300. In a similar manner to the wall flange 204, in an example, the wall panel base trim 100 is coupled along the wall frame 300 by one or more of fasteners such as screws, nails, staples or the like extending through the shadow flange 116 and coupled with the wall frame 300. In another example, an adhesive is applied to the back of the shadow flange 116 to facilitate the coupling of the wall panel base trim 100 along the wail frame 300. As described herein, the wall panel base trim 100 is optionally without the wall flange 204 and the shadow flange 116 is used to couple the wall panel base trim 100 along the wall frame 300. In still another example, the wall panel base trim 100 includes a deformable material, for instance, a rubber, polymer, aluminum or other metal configured for puncturing by fasteners such as screws, nails, staples or the like to facilitate coupling of the wall flange 204 or shadow flange 116 with the wall frame 300.

In another example, the wall panel base trim 100 includes a blending fin 200. In one example, the blending fin 200 extends from or is a portion of the panel channel 106. In another example, the blending fin 200 extends from the brace ridge 110, for instance, in a lateral fashion (transverse from the brace ridge 110). The method 800 includes blending deformable material 400 (shown in FIGS. 413, C) over the wall panel 102 and the blending fin 200. In an example, the blending fin 200 includes a broken blending surface 202 to facilitate the spreading and coupling of the deformable material 400 along the blending fin 200. As shown in FIG. 4C, the deformable material 400 is, in one example, blended to form a consistent surface across each of the blending fin 200 and the first phase 402 of the wall panel 102. Optionally, blending of the deformable material 400 over the wall panel 102 and the blending fin 200 includes blending the deformable material 400 into a sharp utility recess 312 (see FIG. 4C). The sharp utility recess 312 is, in one example, at the fin base 308 as shown, for instance, in FIG. 5A.

In still another example, the panel channel includes the blending fin 200 and the method 800 includes covering the wall panel 102 and the blending fin 200 with a wall covering 502 as shown in FIG. 5B. The wall covering 502 includes, but is not limited to, wall paper, wall coverings or the like. Optionally, covering the wall panel 102 and the blending fin 200 with the wall covering 502 includes positioning an edge, for instance, a wall covering trimmed edge 506 within a sharp utility recess 312 at a fin base 308 of the blending fin 200. In another example, the method 800 includes guiding trimming of the wall covering 502 with the sharp utility recess 312. For instance, a tool 500 shown in FIG. 5B, including a knife edge, presses a portion of the wall covering 502 into the sharp utility recess 312. A free edge such as the wall covering edge 504 also shown in FIG. 5B is trimmed by guiding the tool 500 through the sharp utility recess 312 to cut the wall covering and form the wall covering trimmed edge 506 within the sharp utility recess 312. Stated another way, the tool 500 trims or slices the wall covering 502 within the sharp utility recess 312 and resulting wall covering trimmed edge 506 is retained therein.

VARIOUS NOTES & EXAMPLES

Example 1 can include subject matter, such as can include a wall panel base trim comprising: a panel channel extending between first and second ends, the panel channel surrounds a panel groove configured for reception of a wall panel therein, the panel channel includes: a wall flange extending from a channel base in a first direction, the wall flange on a first side of the panel groove, and a blending fin extending from the channel base, the blending fin on a second side of the panel groove; a brace ridge extending between the first and second ends, the brace ridge projects laterally relative to the panel channel; and a shadow flange extending away from the panel channel in a second direction opposed to the first direction, the shadow flange and the brace ridge cooperate to form a shadow line recess,

Example 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Example 1, to optionally include wherein the wall flange and the blending fin are parallel, and the wall flange, blending fin and the channel base configure the panel groove for snug reception of the wall panel therein.

Example 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1 or 2 to optionally include wherein the brace ridge includes a ridge face having a planar shape.

Example 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-3 to optionally include wherein the brace ridge includes a ridge face having a curved shape.

Example 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-4 to optionally include wherein the base ridge includes: first and second ridge walls projecting laterally relative to the panel channel, and a ridge face extending between the first and second ridge walls.

Example 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-5 to optionally include wherein the panel channel is coupled with the shadow flange.

Example 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-6 to optionally include wherein the brace ridge couples the panel channel with the shadow flange.

Example 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-7 to optionally include wherein the blending fin includes a broken blending surface.

Example 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-8 to optionally include wherein the blending fin tapers from a fin base toward a fin edge.

Example 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-9 to optionally include wherein the panel channel includes a sharp utility recess at a fin base of the blending fin.

Example 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-10 to optionally include the wall panel and a floor plane.

Example 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-11 to optionally include wherein the wall panel includes one or more of sheetrock, drywall, particle board panels, chip board panels and wood panels, and the floor plane includes one or more of floor panels, tile, concrete, cement, floor coverings, hard wood, stone and resin flooring.

Example 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-12 to optionally include a shadow lined wall assembly comprising: a wall panel; a wall panel base trim including: a panel channel extending between first and second ends, the panel channel surrounds a panel groove, the panel channel includes: a blending fin on a side of the panel groove, and wherein the wall panel is received in the panel groove; a brace ridge extending between the first and second ends, the brace ridge projects laterally relative to the panel channel; a shadow flange extending away from the panel channel; and a floor plane coupled along the shadow flange, wherein the shadow flange spaces the brace ridge from the floor plane and forms a shadow line recess therebetween.

Example 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-13 to optionally include wherein the panel channel includes a wall flange extending in a first direction, the wall flange on a second side of the panel groove, and the shadow flange extends in a second direction opposed to the first direction.

Example 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-14 to optionally include wherein the blending fin is coupled along a first face of the wall panel and the wall flange is coupled along a second face of the wall panel.

Example 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-15 to optionally include wherein the wall flange and the blending fin are parallel.

Example 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-16 to optionally include wherein the floor plane coupled along the shadow flange includes the floor plane coupled along a shadow flange edge of the shadow flange.

Example 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-17 to optionally include wherein the floor plane coupled along the shadow flange includes the floor plane coupled along a shadow flange face of the shadow flange.

Example 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-18 to optionally include wherein the brace ridge includes a ridge face having at least one of a planar shape or a curved shape.

Example 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-19 to optionally include wherein the brace ridge includes: first and second ridge walls projecting laterally relative to the panel channel, and a ridge face extending between the first and second ridge, walls.

Example 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-20 to optionally include wherein the brace ridge couples the panel channel with the shadow flange.

Example 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-21 to optionally include wherein the blending fin includes a broken blending surface.

Example 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-22 to optionally include wherein the panel channel includes a sharp utility recess at a fin base of the blending fin, and the sharp utility recess is configured to receive one or more of the edge of a wall covering or deformable material blended across the blending fin.

Example 24 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-23 to optionally include a method for installing wall panels with a shadow line above a floor plane comprising: coupling a wall panel base trim along a portion of a wall, the wall panel base trim includes: a panel channel with a panel groove, a brace ridge projecting laterally relative to the panel channel, and a shadow flange; positioning a wall panel within the panel groove; and coupling the shadow flange along the floor plane, coupling the shadow flange along the floor plane includes: spacing the brace ridge from the floor plane, and forming a shadow line recess between the floor plane and the brace ridge according to the spacing.

Example 25 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-24 to optionally include wherein the panel channel includes a wall flange, and coupling the wall panel base trim along the portion of the wall includes coupling the wall flange along the portion of the wall.

Example 26 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-25 to optionally include wherein the panel channel includes a blending fin and a wall flange, and positioning the wall panel within the panel groove includes positioning the wall panel between the blending fin and the wall flange.

Example 27 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-26 to optionally include wherein coupling the wall panel base trim along the portion of the wall includes coupling the shadow flange along the portion of the wall.

Example 28 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-27 to optionally include wherein coupling the shadow flange along the floor plane includes at least one of coupling a shadow flange edge or a shadow flange face of the shadow flange along the floor plane.

Example 29 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-28 to optionally include wherein the panel channel includes a blending fin and comprising blending deformable material over the wall panel and the blending fin.

Example 30 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-29 to optionally include wherein blending deformable material over the wall panel and the blending fin includes blending deformable material into a sharp utility recess at a fin base of the blending fin.

Example 31 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-30 to optionally include wherein the panel channel includes a blending fin and comprising covering the wall panel and the blending fin with a wall covering.

Example 32 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Examples 1-31 to optionally include wherein covering the wall panel and the blending fin with a wall covering includes: positioning an edge of the wall covering within a sharp utility recess at a fin base of the blending fin, and guiding trimming of the wall covering with the sharp utility recess.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein,

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed

Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

1. A wall panel base trim comprising: a panel channel extending between first and second ends, the panel channel surrounds a panel groove configured for reception of a wall panel therein, the panel channel includes: a wall flange extending from a channel base in a first direction, the wall flange on a first side of the panel groove, and a blending fin extending from the channel base, the blending fin on a second side of the panel groove, wherein a height of the blending fin is less than a height of the wall flange; a brace ridge extending between the first and second ends, the brace ridge projects laterally relative to the panel channel; and a shadow flange extending away from the panel channel in a second direction opposed to the first direction, the shadow flange and the brace ridge cooperate to form a shadow line recess.
 2. The wall panel base trim of claim 1, wherein the wall flange and the blending fin are parallel, and the wall flange, blending fin and the channel base configure the panel groove for snug reception of the wall panel therein.
 3. The wall panel base trim of claim. 1, wherein the brace ridge includes a ridge face having a planar shape
 4. The wall panel base trim of claim 1, wherein the brace ridge includes a ridge face having a curved shape.
 5. The wall panel base trim of claim 1, wherein the brace ridge includes: first and second ridge walls projecting laterally relative to the panel channel, and a ridge face extending between the first and second ridge walls.
 6. The wall panel base trim of claim 1, wherein the panel channel is coupled with the shadow flange.
 7. The wall panel base trim of claim 6, wherein the brace ridge couples the panel channel with the shadow flange.
 8. The wall panel base trim of claim 1, wherein the blending fin includes a broken blending surface.
 9. The wall panel base trim of claim 1, wherein the blending fin tapers from a fin base toward a fin edge.
 10. The wall panel base trim of claim 1, wherein the panel channel includes a sharp utility recess at a fin base of the blending fin.
 11. The wall panel base trim of claim 1 comprising the wall panel and a floor plane.
 12. The wall panel base trim of claim 11, wherein the wall panel includes one or more of sheetrock, drywall, particle board panels, chip board panels and wood panels, and the floor plane includes one or more of floor panels, tile, concrete, cement, floor coverings, hard wood, stone and resin flooring.
 13. A shadow lined wall assembly comprising: a wall panel; a wall panel base trim including: a panel channel extending between first and second ends, the panel channel surrounds a panel groove, the panel channel includes: a wall flange on a first side of the panel groove a blending fin on a second side of the panel groove, and wherein the wall panel is received in the panel groove; a brace ridge extending between the first and second ends, the brace ridge projects laterally relative to the panel channel; a shadow flange extending away from the panel channel; a floor plane coupled along the shadow flange, wherein the shadow flange spaces the brace ridge from the floor plane and forms a shadow line recess therebetween; and wherein the wall flange is aligned with the rear of the brace ridge.
 14. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the wall flange extends in a first direction, and the shadow flange extends in a second direction opposed to the first direction.
 15. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the blending fin is coupled along a first face of the wall panel and the wall flange is coupled along a second face of the wall panel.
 16. The shadow lined wail assembly of claim 13, wherein the wall flange and the blending fin are parallel.
 17. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the floor plane coupled along the shadow flange includes the floor plane coupled along a shadow flange edge of the shadow flange.
 18. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the floor plane coupled along the shadow flange includes the floor plane coupled along a shadow flange face of the shadow flange.
 19. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the brace ridge includes a ridge face having at least one of a planar shape or a curved shape.
 20. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the brace ridge includes: first and second ridge walls projecting laterally relative to the panel channel, and a ridge face extending between the first and second ridge walls,
 21. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the brace ridge couples the panel channel with the shadow flange
 22. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the blending fin includes a broken blending surface.
 23. The shadow lined wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the panel channel includes a sharp utility recess at a fin base of the blending fin, and the sharp utility recess is configured to receive one or more of the edge of a wall covering or deformable material blended across the blending fin.
 24. A method for installing wall panels with a shadow line above a floor plane comprising: coupling a wall panel base trim along a portion of a wall, the wall panel base trim includes: a panel channel with a panel groove, a brace ridge projecting laterally relative to the panel channel, and a shadow flange; positioning a wall panel within the panel groove; and coupling the shadow flange along the floor plane, coupling the shadow flange along the floor plane includes: spacing the brace ridge from the floor plane, and forming a shadow line recess between the floor plane and the brace ridge according to the spacing.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the panel channel includes a wall flange, and coupling the wall panel base trim along the portion of the wall includes coupling the wall flange along the portion of the wall.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the panel channel includes a blending fin and a wall flange, and positioning the wall panel within the, panel groove includes positioning the wall panel between the blending fin and the wall flange.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein coupling the wall panel base trim along the portion of the wall includes coupling the shadow flange along the portion of the wall.
 28. The method of claim 24, wherein coupling the shadow flange along the floor plane includes at least one of coupling a shadow flange edge or a shadow flange face of the shadow flange along the floor plane.
 29. The method of claim 24, wherein the panel channel includes a blending fin and comprising blending deformable material over the wall panel and the blending fin.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein blending deformable material over the wall panel and the blending fin includes blending deformable material into a sharp utility recess at a fin base of the blending fin.
 31. The method of claim 24, wherein the panel channel includes a blending fin and comprising covering the wall panel and the blending fin with a wall covering.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein covering the wall panel and the blending fin with a wall covering includes: positioning an edge of the wall covering within a sharp utility recess at a fin base of the blending fin, and guiding trimming of the wall covering with the sharp utility recess. 